The practical proxy knowledge base
Understand proxies. Make better choices.
Independent-minded, technically accurate guides to proxy types, protocols, authentication, configuration, responsible data collection, and troubleshooting.
Latest proxy guides
Clear answers, real trade-offs, practical steps.
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Chrome Proxy Settings on Every Platform
Chrome usually follows operating-system proxy settings, but policies, PAC files, and extensions can change the route. Learn where to configure and how to verify it.
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Forward Proxy vs Reverse Proxy: A Human Guide
A forward proxy represents clients; a reverse proxy represents servers. See the two request paths, common uses, security boundaries, and configuration clues.
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IPv4 vs IPv6 Proxies: Real Trade-offs
IPv6 offers vast address space, while IPv4 still has broader destination compatibility. Compare proxy routing, DNS, reputation, cost, and dual-stack testing.
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Proxy DNS and WebRTC Leaks: What They Reveal
A browser can proxy web requests while DNS or WebRTC follows another route. Learn what those leaks reveal, how to test them, and how to reduce exposure.
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How to Check If a Proxy Is Working
An IP-check page is only the first test. Verify proxy protocol, authentication, HTTPS, DNS, browser routes, latency, stability, and destination behavior.
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Are Free Proxies Safe? Risks Most Lists Hide
Free proxy lists can expose traffic to unknown operators, manipulation, logging, malware, and unstable endpoints. Learn how to assess risk and safer alternatives.
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Proxy vs VPN: Which One Protects What?
A proxy and a VPN both change network paths, but their routing scope, encryption, DNS behavior, and trust models differ. Choose by threat and workload.
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Mobile Proxies Explained: 4G, 5G, and CGNAT
Mobile proxies route traffic through carrier networks. Understand 4G and 5G labels, CGNAT, rotation, sticky sessions, sourcing, and when mobile routing is justified.
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ISP Proxies Explained: Static Residential IPs
ISP proxies combine server-hosted stability with addresses associated with consumer internet providers. Learn where that hybrid helps and where the label misleads.
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Residential vs Datacenter Proxies: What Changes?
Residential and datacenter proxies can use the same protocols, yet their networks, cost, stability, and acceptance differ. Here is how to choose without the hype.